I’m trying to find the perfect word to describe Cartagena Columbia.  It is sweet and romantic, with its cobblestone alleys and balconies overflowing with Bougainvillea. But it is also hot and sassy, sexy and loud, with music blaring from every corner, even people walking down the street rapping.

I am staying in the walled-in old town, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.  This area is teeming with peopl – it seems both day and night.  I can see why people don’t wear a lot of clothing here. It is so darn hot! And humidity like we don’t even see in Charlotte.

It was early evening when I arrived and got settled into my apartment.  The first thing I needed to do was get a map and go to the grocery store. After that, all I did all night was walk along the alley ways in the city.  I must have looked like a complete dork because every time I turned a corner in the city my mouth dropped open and I uttered the word “wow”.  There are horse-drawn carriages.  And local selling their wares. And honeymooners out for a stroll. And teenagers getting drunk in the streets. It just seems like the city has so many personalities. And each one of them is pretty freaking cool!  I bought a cervesa  on the street and just walked around drinking beer. Every once in a while I’d pop into a boutique or check out some crafts or sit on a curb.  The people watching here is amazing!  I can see how people fall in love with the city and never leave.

Tomorrow morning I’ll take a tour and get my bearings. Then I’m off for a private salsa lesson which I can hopefully use tomorrow night and one of the many clubs